Fantomas Se Dechaine (aka Fantomas Unleashed) (1965)

The notorious arch villain Fantomas (Jean Marais) kidnaps a distinguished scientist (Albert Dagnant) with the aim of developing a weapon that will allow him to control minds and thus the world. When a second scientist (Jean Marais) is kidnapped, a journalist (Jean Marais) concocts a plan that will trap Fantomas before he can carry out his plan. Directed by Andre Hunebelle, this was the second in the Fantomas trilogy (trading in on the popularity of and spoofing the Bond films) which was popular in France in the 1960s. I rather enjoyed the first Fantomas film but this one doesn't kick in until the film's last half hour. The first part tries too hard to be funny and Louis De Funes, who was funny in the 1964 FANTOMAS is annoying rather than amusing. I did laugh out loud at two sight gags which is something I suppose and the train sequence works well. The film looks great and Fantomas' lair which is set in a submerged volcano is a marvel of design. Marais seems to be having a great time playing three different characters. With the lovely Mylene Demongeot providing the eye candy.